Golfer&#39;s practice aid

ABSTRACT

A golfer&#39;s aid comprising a markable substrate having a graphical representation of at least one golf shot hit with a particular golf club that enables the user to record direction and distance of the golf shot as perceived by the user. The graphical representation includes a plurality of discrete domains that represent a plurality of direction and distance classifications of the golf shot. In the preferred embodiment, the direction classifications include at least the following classifications:  
     i) the direction of the golf shot is substantially straight;  
     ii) the direction of the golf shot is substantially left; and  
     iii) the direction of the golf shot is substantially right.  
     In addition, the direction classifications may include a plurality of classifications of varying degree of offset from straight. In addition, the distance classifications preferably include the following classifications:  
     i) the distance of the golf shot is substantially longer than user&#39;s expected distance for the particular golf club;  
     ii) the distance of the golf shot is substantially shorter than user&#39;s expected distance for the particular golf club; and  
     iii) the distance of the golf shot substantially corresponds to user&#39;s expected distance for the particular golf club.  
     The markable substrate may comprise a paper card wherein the graphical representation is printed on the paper card. Alternatively, the markable substrate may comprise an electronic device wherein the graphical representation is displayed on a display screen. In another aspect of the present invention, a database system is provided for storing golfer&#39;s practice data comprising a data entry screen that displays a plurality of data entry fields that represent a plurality of direction and distance classifications of at least one golf shot that enables the user to record direction and distance of the golf shot as perceived by the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the sport of golf, and in particular to a golf practicing aid, and its method of use, which enables a golfer to record and manage (for subsequent use and analysis) the accuracy and distance of practice shots hit with different golf clubs.

[0002] The present invention further relates to automated statistical analysis of the accuracy and distance of practice golf shots, which enables the golf to view a summary of the golfer's shot pattern in such a manner as to allow the golfer (or an instructor) to identify and correct errors in the golfer's game (swing, grip, etc.) as well as identify improvement or decline in performance.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0003] The game of golf is a very difficult sport—to score well requires a consistent swing (over the range of golf clubs from driver to putter) that is effective in striking the ball to invoke accurate (in direction and distance) shots. Golfers learn and accomplish such a consistent swing through practice. The legendary golfer Ben Hogan once said that “Every day you miss playing or practicing is one day longer it takes to be good.”

[0004] Golfers typically practice on a practice range where the golfer hits a large number of golf balls with one or more golf clubs. Hitting balls on the practice range enables the golfer to work through problems in the goiter's swing, including:

[0005] grip (i.e., position of hands and fingers on the golf club);

[0006] foot placement (with relation to the golf ball) at set-up;

[0007] position of body (head, hands, arms, hips, legs, feet) during take-back;

[0008] position of body (head, hands, arms, hips, legs, feet) during shoulder turn;

[0009] position of body (head, hands, arms, hips, legs, feet) during down-swing through impact;

[0010] position of body (head, hands, arms, hips, legs, feet) during follow-through.

[0011] A typical practice range session involves striking 25 to 100 golf balls into a field, using various golf clubs. The usual objective of a practice range session is to hit as many practice shots as possible that are accurate (in direction and distance), which is measured by divergence (in direction and distance) of the actual shot from a selected target that represents the golfer intended (or average) shot for the particular golf club.

[0012] Another objective is to improve one's accuracy from one driving range session to another. Improving one's accuracy on the practice range should lead to improved accuracy and lower scores when playing actual rounds of golf, which typically comprise playing 18 different golf holes.

[0013] While golfers practice many hours on the practice range hitting large numbers of golf balls to improve accuracy and performance, no device or system presently exists that effectively assists the golfer (or an instructor) to record, manage and/or understand the results of such practice sessions.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,269 to Lewis describes a PDA-based software application that displays a reproduction of a fairway or green forming part of a golf course. A target zone for a practice shot (which can be a circle which represents a green or a rectangle which represents a fairway portion) is also displayed as shown in FIG. 5. The user inputs the approximate location in X,Y coordinates of a struck ball via touch input. The approximate location in X,Y coordinates of the plurality of struck balls is stored in memory. As described, the unit could be programmed to analyze some or all of the inputted locations statistically to discern patterns relating to ball flight analysis and tabulate and display the user's shot pattern as shown in FIG. 6. Although such a system enables the user to record specific shot location data and shot patterns derived therefrom, the data entry process is cumbersome and time-consuming—the user is required to estimate the X,Y coordinates of the landing location of the each shot and enter the estimated landing location into the device via touch input. Such tasks are likely to distract and defocus the user from the main objective of the practice session—hitting a large number of accurate practice golf shots, thus hindering improvement in the user's golf game instead of aiding improvement in the user's golf game.

[0015] Thus, there remains a need in the art for a device or system that effectively assists a golfer (or an instructor) to record, manage and/or understand the results of such practice sessions, while minimizing the time and complexity of data entry during such practice sessions.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved device and/or system that effectively assists a golfer (or an instructor) to record, manage and/or understand the results of practice sessions, while minimizing the time and complexity of data entry during such practice sessions and avoiding the shortcomings and drawbacks of prior art devices and techniques.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a golfer's aid including a markable substrate having a graphical representation of at least one golf shot hit with a particular golf club that enables the user to record direction and distance of the golf shot as perceived by the user.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a golfer's aid wherein the graphical representation includes a plurality of discrete domains that represent a plurality of direction and distance classifications of the golf shot.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide such a golfer's aid wherein the direction classifications include at least the following classifications:

[0020] i) the direction of the golf shot is substantially straight;

[0021] ii) the direction of the golf shot is substantially left; and

[0022] iii) the direction of the golf shot is substantially right.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a golfer's aid wherein the direction classifications include a plurality of classifications of varying degree of offset from straight.

[0024] A further object of the present invention is to provide such a golfer's aid wherein the distance classifications include at least the following classifications:

[0025] i) the distance of the golf shot is substantially longer than user's expected distance for the particular golf club;

[0026] ii) the distance of the golf shot is substantially shorter than user's expected distance for the particular golf club; and

[0027] iii) the distance of the golf shot substantially corresponds to user's expected distance for the particular golf club.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a golfer's aid wherein the plurality of discrete domains represent a plurality of direction and distance classifications of a single golf shot.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a golfer's aid wherein the plurality of discrete domains include a plurality of sub-domains that represent a plurality of direction and distance classifications of multiple golf shots.

[0030] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a golfer's aid wherein the markable substrate comprises a paper card, and the graphical representation is printed on the paper card.

[0031] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a golfer's aid wherein the markable substrate comprises a display screen and the graphical representation is displayed on the display screen.

[0032] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a golfer's aid embodied as an application program that is executed on a personal digital assistance device.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a golfer's aid wherein the user marks a given domain by touching the touch screen of a personal digital assistance device.

[0034] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a database system for storing golfer's practice data comprising a data entry screen that displays a plurality of data entry fields that represent a plurality of direction and distance classifications of at least one golf shot that enables the user to record direction and distance of the golf shot as perceived by the user.

[0035] It is another object of the present invention to provide such a database system, wherein the data entry screen is provided via user interaction with a web browsing application operably coupled to a web server over the Internet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] For a fuller understanding of the Objects of the Present Invention, the Detailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiments of the Present Invention should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0037]FIG. 1A illustrates the essential elements of the golfer's practice aid of the present invention including a markable substrate 10 (such as paper card or electronic tablet) that has a graphical representation of a single golf shot hit with a particular golf club that enables the user to record the direction and distance of the single golf shot as perceived by the user. The graphical representation pertaining to a given shot includes a plurality of discrete domains (e.g., discrete spatial regions of the substrate) that represent different classifications of direction and distance for the given shot. After hitting the given shot, the user determines the appropriate classification of direction and distance for the given shot as perceived by the user, and manually marks the domain corresponding to such direction and distance classifications, thereby recording the direction and distance of the single golf shot.

[0038]FIG. 1B illustrates an alternate configuration of the golfer's practice aid of the present invention, which utilizes a different direction classification scheme for the domains formed on the substrate 10.

[0039]FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the golfer's practice aid of the present invention, including a markable paper substrate 10′ which is foldable about a central axis (which is preferably marked by a visible line 11). The paper substrate 10′ includes 48 graphical representations printed thereon, each corresponding to a single golf shot hit with a particular golf club (e.g., Ball_1/Driver, Ball_2/Driver, Ball_3/Driver, Ball_4/Driver . . . Ball_45/Lob_Wedge (LW), Ball_46/LW, Ball_47/LW, Ball_48/LW) that enables the user to record the direction and distance of the single golf shot as perceived by the user. As shown, the graphical representation pertaining to a given shot includes a plurality of discrete domains that represent different classifications of direction and distance as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B. After hitting the given shot, the user determines the appropriate classification of direction and distance for the given shot as perceived by the user, and manually marks (with a pencil or pen) the domain corresponding to such direction and distance classifications, thereby recording the direction and distance of the single golf shot.

[0040]FIG. 3A illustrates an alternate configuration of the golfer's practice aid of the present invention including a markable substrate 10 (such as paper card or electronic tablet) that has a graphical representation for multiple golf shots hit with a particular golf club that enables the user to record the direction and distance of the multiple golf shots as perceived by the user. As shown, the graphical representation includes a plurality of discrete domains (outlined with dark wide lines) that represent different classifications of direction and distance. Each domain includes a plurality of discrete sub-domains (marked by thin lines) each corresponding to a different golf shot hit with the particular club. After hitting a shot with the particular club, the user determines the appropriate classification of direction and distance for the given shot as perceived by the user, and manually marks a sub-domain in the domain corresponding to such direction and distance classifications, thereby recording the direction and distance of the single golf shot. The user repeats these steps for each golf shot hit with the particular club, thereby marking multiple sub-domains on the substrate 10 and recording the direction and distance of multiple golf shots hit with the particular club.

[0041]FIG. 3B illustrates an alternative graphical representation of domains that represent different classifications of direction and distance for one or more golf shots.

[0042]FIG. 4A illustrates the system architecture of a web-based database storage system that can be used to enter and store practice data in electronic form.

[0043]FIG. 4B illustrates a data entry screen provided by the database storage system of FIG. 4A that enables a user (via interaction with the web browsing application executing on the client machine) to enter the direction and distance of practice golf shots recorded on the substrate in the practice setting for storage in an electronic database.

[0044]FIG. 4C illustrates a single data entry grid of the data entry screen of FIG. 4B. The data entry grid corresponds to a single golf shot. It includes a pull down menu that enables the user (via user interaction with a pointing device) to select a particular golf club that hit the golf shot corresponding to the data entry grid. In addition, the data entry grid includes a plurality of buttons (only one of which can be selected via a user clicking on such button with a pointing device). The button layout mirrors the structure of the domains (e.g., graphical indicia) of the markable substrate 10. The user selects a particular club (via user interaction with the pull down menu) and selects a button corresponding to the domain marked on the substrate.

[0045]FIG. 4D illustrates an exemplary statistics reporting screen provided by the database storage system of FIG. 4A that enable a user to view statistical reports on the direction and distance of a plurality of practice shots (as represented by practice data stored in the database).

[0046]FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present invention wherein the golfer's practice aid is embodied within a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other mobile computing device (such as a notebook or sub-notebook computer).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0047] Referring to the figures in the accompanying drawings, the various illustrative embodiments of the golfer's practice aid of the present invention will be described in great detail, wherein like elements will be indicated using like reference numerals.

[0048]FIG. 1A illustrates the essential elements of the golfer's practice aid of the present invention including a markable substrate 10 (such as paper card or electronic tablet) that has a graphical representation of a single golf shot hit with a particular golf club that enables the user to record the direction and distance of the single golf shot as perceived by the user. As shown, the graphical representation pertaining to a given shot includes a plurality of discrete domains (which are discrete spatial regions of the markable substrate) that represent different classifications of direction and distance for the given shot. Preferably, each domain is represented by a discrete spatial region of the substrate that is bounded by visible edges as shown. After hitting the given shot, the user determines the appropriate classification of direction and distance for the given shot as perceived by the user, and manually marks the domain corresponding to such direction and distance classifications, thereby recording the direction and distance of the single golf shot.

[0049] In this exemplary embodiment, after hitting the given golf shot, the user determines the appropriate distance classification of the shot as follows:

[0050] i) if the distance of the given golf shot is substantially longer than user's target distance (which is typically the user's average distance for the particular club), the distance classification is AVERAGE;

[0051] ii) if the distance of the given golf shot is substantially shorter than user's target distance, the distance classification is SHORT; or

[0052] iii) if the distance of the given golf shot is substantially longer than user's target distance, the distance classification is LONG.

[0053] Similarly, the user determines the direction classification of the shot as follows:

[0054] i) if the direction of the given golf shot is substantially straight, the direction classification is CENTER;

[0055] ii) if the direction of the given golf shot is substantially left, the direction classification is LEFT; or

[0056] iii) if the direction of the given golf shot is substantially right, the direction classification is RIGHT.

[0057] The user then manually marks the domain corresponding to such direction and distance classifications, thereby recording the direction and distance of the golf shot.

[0058] For example, if the user determines that the distance and direction classifications of the golf shot are AVERAGE and LEFT, respectively, the user would mark the grid cell in the leftmost column and middle row. Yet, if the user determines that the distance and direction classifications of the golf shot are LONG and RIGHT, respectively, the user would mark the grid cell in the rightmost column and top row. Yet, if the user determines that the distance and direction classifications of the golf shot are SHORT and CENTER, respectively, the user would mark the grid cell in the middle column and bottom row.

[0059] Such tasks enable the user to quickly and efficiently record the direction and distance of a single practice golf shot, which minimizes any user distraction related thereto, and thus aids in the improvement in the user's golf game.

[0060]FIG. 1B illustrates an alternate configuration of the golfer's practice aid of the present invention, which utilizes a different direction classification scheme for the domains formed on the substrate 10. More specifically, the distance classification scheme includes direction classifications with varying degrees of left (for example, LEFT and FAR LEFT as shown) and direction classifications with varying degrees of right (for example, RIGHT and FAR RIGHT as shown). Similar variations can be made with respect to the distance classification scheme for the domains formed on the substrate 10. Moreover, alternate classification schemes for direction and distance can be used to suit any particular need for precise classification of the accuracy of a given golf practice shot.

[0061]FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the golfer's practice aid of the present invention, including a markable paper substrate 10′ which is foldable about a central axis (which is preferably marked by a visible line 11 as shown). The paper substrate 10′ includes 48 graphical representations printed thereon, each corresponding to a single golf shot hit with a particular golf club (e.g., Ball_1/Driver, Ball_2/Driver, Ball_3/Driver, Ball_4/Driver . . . Ball_45/Lob_Wedge (LW), Ball_46/LW, Ball_47/LW, Ball_48/LW) that enables the user to record the direction and distance of the single golf shot as perceived by the user. As shown, the graphical representation pertaining to a given shot includes a plurality of discrete domains that represent different classifications of direction and distance as described above with respect to FIGS. 1A and 1B. After hitting the given shot, the user determines the appropriate classification of direction and distance for the given shot as perceived by the user, and manually marks (with a pencil or pen) the domain corresponding to such direction and distance classifications, thereby recording the direction and distance of the single golf shot. Such tasks enable the user to quickly and efficiently record the direction and distance of a single practice golf shot, which minimizes any user distraction related thereto, and thus aids in the improvement in the user's golf game.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 2, the area of the paper substrate 10′ adjacent to the graphical representation pertaining to a given shot can be preprinted with the name (or identifier, such as PW for Pitching Wedge, or LW for Lob Wedge) of the golf club to which it corresponds as shown in FIG. 2.

[0063]FIG. 3A illustrates an alternate configuration of the golfer's practice aid of the present invention including a markable substrate 10 (such as paper card or electronic tablet) that has a graphical representation for multiple golf shots hit with a particular golf club that enables the user to record the direction and distance of the multiple golf shots as perceived by the user. As shown, the graphical representation includes a plurality of discrete domains (outlined with dark wide lines) that represent different classifications of direction (e.g., FAR LEFT, LEFT, CENTER, RIGHT and FAR RIGHT) and distance (e.g., SHORT, AVERAGE and LONG). Each domain includes a plurality of discrete sub-domains marked by thin lines (for example 4 sub-domains as shown) each corresponding to a different golf shot hit with the particular club. Preferably, each domain is represented by a discrete spatial region of the substrate that is bounded by visible edges (dark wide lines), and each subdomain is represented by a discrete spatial region (within the corresponding domain) that is bounded by visible edges (dark wide lines and thin lines) as shown. After hitting a shot with the particular club, the user determines the appropriate classification of direction and distance for the given shot as perceived by the user, and manually marks a sub-domain in the domain corresponding to such direction and distance classifications, thereby recording the direction and distance of the single golf shot. The user repeats these steps for each golf shot hit with the particular club, thereby marking multiple sub-domains on the substrate 10 and recording the direction and distance of multiple golf shots hit with the particular club. Such tasks enable the user to quickly and efficiently record the direction and distance of such multiple golf shots, which minimizes any user distraction related thereto, and thus aids in the improvement in the user's golf game.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, and 3A, the discrete domains that represent different classifications of direction and distance for one or more golf shots are formed by a rectangular array of grid cells, wherein the columns of the grid cell array represent different classifications of direction (for example, FAR LEFT, LEFT, CENTER, RIGHT and FAR RIGHT), and the rows of the grid cell array represent different classifications of distance (for example, SHORT, AVERAGE and LONG). However, the present invention is not limited in this respect and it is understood that alternate graphical indicia can be used to represent such domains as shown in FIG. 3B.

[0065] In another aspect of the present invention, the markable substrate (which may be a paper article of manufacture or device as described above) that enables a user to efficiently record the direction and distance of the practice golf shots in the practice setting (for example, on the practice range) is used in conjunction with a database system, which accumulates the results marked on each substrate for the purpose of organizing numerous golf shots to provide the user with statistical feedback on direction and distance of each golf club, and conversely the required club for a particular distance or direction of shot required. The database system can be electronic or manual. Electronic databases can be PC based or Web based database storage systems and software. An example of such a web-based database storage system is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D.

[0066]FIG. 4A illustrates the system architecture of this system including a web server 401 that serves up web pages (which may include html formatted content, XML formatted content as well as application logic) to client machines (one shown as 403) that execute a web browsing application operably coupled to the web server 401 over the world wide web 405. As is well known in the art, such web pages provide registration services (which enable the user to register with services provided by the web server 401, i.e., obtain a User_ID and password) and login services (which enable the user to gain access to the services provided by the web server 401). In addition, such web pages provide at least one data entry screen that enables a user (via interaction with the web browsing application executing on the client machine 403) to enter the direction and distance of practice golf shots recorded on the substrate in the practice setting for storage in an electronic database 407. Preferably, the electronic database 407 is operably coupled to the web server 401 and stores practice shot data for multiple users as shown. Such a database system enables the user to record and electronically store a large amount of data pertaining to practice shots hit over multiple practice sessions (that can span weeks, months and years). This stored practice data provides a complete pattern of the user's practice shots, which can subsequently be evaluated and analyzed at a later time, or can be discussed with others (e.g., an instructor who could provide feedback to the user).

[0067] An example of such a data entry screen 409 is illustrated in FIG. 4B including 24 data entry grids 410 each corresponding to a different golf shot (Ball_1 to Ball_24). FIG. 4C illustrates a single data entry grid corresponding to a single golf shot. Each data entry grid includes a pull down menu 411 that enables the user (via user interaction with a pointing device) to select a particular golf club that hit the golf shot corresponding to the data entry grid. Preferably, the default selection of golf clubs in the pull down menus of the data entry screen can be entered and stored as preference data associated with the user's account. In addition, each data entry grid includes a plurality of buttons (only one of which can be selected via a user clicking on such button with a pointing device). The button layout mirrors the structure of the domains (e.g., graphical indicia) of the markable substrate 10. The user works through each data entry grid 410, selecting a particular club (via user interaction with the pull down menu 411) and selecting a button corresponding to the domain marked on the substrate. After entering the data for the 24 shots and entering the date in field 415, the user saves the data by hitting the save button 413. The save function causes the entered data to be stored in the electronic database 407 and linked to the particular user. It is contemplated that the user will work through another data entry screen to enter the data pertaining to 48 golf shots, which mirrors the number of shots recorded on the markable substrate as shown in FIG. 2.

[0068] In addition, the web pages served by the web server 401 preferably provide at least one statistics reporting screen that enables a user (via interaction with the web browsing application executing on the client machine 403) to view statistical reports on the direction and distance of each golf club based upon data stored in the electronic database 407, and conversely the required club for a particular distance or direction of shot required. Such statistical reporting enables the user to analyze the stored practice data to find patterns and weaknesses in the user's game (e.g., that the user hits a large percentage of shots left, with the high irons—6 iron through LW—mainly contributing to this problem).

[0069]FIG. 4D illustrates an exemplary statistics reporting screen 421 that enable a user to view statistical reports on the direction and distance of 48 practice shots (as represented by practice data stored in the electronic database 407). The statistics reporting screen 421 includes 3 parts: part 423, part 425, and part 427. Part 423 includes a plurality of display boxes that correspond to different classifications of direction (e.g., FAR LEFT, LEFT, CENTER, RIGHT and FAR RIGHT) and distance (e.g., SHORT, AVERAGE and LONG). Note that display box layout mirrors the structure of the domains (e.g., graphical indicia) of the markable substrate 10 of FIG. 3. Each display box displays the number of golf shots (of the 48 total golf shots) that belong to the corresponding direction and distance classification of the display box. For example, part 423 of the statistics reporting screen 421 includes display boxes that indicate the following:

[0070] i) 0 shots flout of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR LEFT and distance classification LONG;

[0071] ii) 0 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification LEFT and distance classification LONG;

[0072] iii) 0 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification CENTER and distance classification LONG;

[0073] iv) 0 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification RIGHT and distance classification LONG;

[0074] v) 0 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR RIGHT and distance classification LONG;

[0075] vi) 6 shots, (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR LEFT and distance classification AVERAGE;

[0076] vii) 6 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification LEFT and distance classification AVERAGE;

[0077] viii) 12 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification CENTER and distance classification AVERAGE;

[0078] ix) 3 shots, (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification RIGHT and distance classification AVERAGE;

[0079] x) 1 shot (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR RIGHT and distance classification AVERAGE;

[0080] xi) 6 shots, (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR LEFT and distance classification SHORT;

[0081] xii) 4 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification LEFT and distance classification SHORT;

[0082] xiii) 3 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification CENTER and distance classification SHORT;

[0083] xiv) 0 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification RIGHT and distance classification SHORT; and

[0084] xv) 7 shots, (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR RIGHT and distance classification SHORT.

[0085] In addition, part 423 of the statistics reporting screen 421 includes the number of golf shots (of the 48 total shots) that belong to each direction classification and each distance classification. For example, part 423 of the statistics reporting screen 421 indicates the following:

[0086] i) 12 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR LEFT;

[0087] ii) 10 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification LEFT;

[0088] iii) 15 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification CENTER;

[0089] iv) 3 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification RIGHT;

[0090] v) 8 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR RIGHT;

[0091] vi) 0 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the distance classification LONG;

[0092] vii) 28 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the distance classification AVERAGE; and

[0093] viii) 20 shots (out of the 48 shots) belonged to the distance classification SHORT.

[0094] Part 425 also include a plurality of display boxes that correspond to different classifications of direction (e.g., FAR LEFT, LEFT, CENTER, RIGHT and FAR RIGHT) and distance (e.g., SHORT, AVERAGE and LONG). Each display box displays the percentage of golf shots (of the 48 total golf shots) that belong to the corresponding direction and distance classification of the display box. For example, part 425 of the statistics reporting screen 421 includes display boxes that indicate the following:

[0095] i) 0% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR LEFT and distance classification LONG;

[0096] ii) 0% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification LEFT and distance classification LONG;

[0097] iii) 0% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification CENTER and distance classification LONG;

[0098] iv) 0% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification RIGHT and distance classification LONG;

[0099] v) 0% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR RIGHT and distance classification LONG;

[0100] vi) 13% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR LEFT and distance classification AVERAGE;

[0101] vii) 13% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification LEFT and distance classification AVERAGE;

[0102] viii) 25% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification CENTER and distance classification AVERAGE;

[0103] ix) 6% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification RIGHT and distance classification AVERAGE;

[0104] x) 2% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR RIGHT and distance classification AVERAGE;

[0105] xi) 13% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR LEFT and distance classification SHORT;

[0106] xii) 8% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification LEFT and distance classification SHORT;

[0107] xiii) 6% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification CENTER and distance classification SHORT;

[0108] xiv) 0% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification RIGHT and distance classification SHORT; and

[0109] xv) 15% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR RIGHT and distance classification SHORT.

[0110] In addition, part 425 of the statistics reporting screen 421 includes the percentage of golf shots (of the 48 total shots) that belong to each direction classification and each distance classification. For example, part 425 of the statistics reporting screen 421 indicates the following:

[0111] i) 25% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR LEFT;

[0112] ii) 21% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification LEFT;

[0113] iii) 31% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification CENTER;

[0114] iv) 6% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification RIGHT;

[0115] v) 17% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the direction classification FAR RIGHT;

[0116] vi) 0% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the distance classification LONG;

[0117] vii) 58% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the distance classification AVERAGE; and

[0118] viii) 42% (of the 48 shots) belonged to the distance classification SHORT.

[0119] Part 427 of the statistics reporting screen 421 provides statistical reports on the direction of the 48 practice shots (as represented by practice data stored in the electronic database 407) for each club (Driver through Lob Wedge). The display is organized in an array of columns and rows. The first column lists the 12 clubs—driver (e.g., 1W) through Lob-Wedge. The second column lists the percentage of the shots hit with a given club, which is identified in the first column, that were hit left (marked as either FAR LEFT or LEFT). The third column lists the percentage of the shots hit with a given club, which is identified in the first column, that were hit straight (marked as CENTER). The fourth column lists the percentage of the shots hit with a given club, which is identified in the first column, that were hit right (marked as either RIGHT or FAR RIGHT).

[0120] It should be evident to those skilled in the programming art that a PC-based database system may include a similar data entry screen and/or statistics reporting screen as described above.

[0121] An alternate embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D wherein the golfer's practice aid as described above is embodied within a personal digital assistant (PDA) or other mobile computing device (such as a notebook or sub-notebook computer). An example of a commercially-available PDAs that can be used to embody the present invention are those manufactured by PALM, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif. or any Windows-CE based PDA. As shown in FIG. 5C, such a device 500 includes a CPU 501, non-volatile data storage 503 (such as EE-PROM or a micro disk drive), memory (RAM) 505, a display screen 507, a keypad 509 and other user-input device (such as a stylus 515 for touch input on a touch screen 511 that overlays the display screen, or a pointing device), and a communication port 513 that provides data communication (for example, over a wired serial link, an infra-red link, or a wireless link) to a host computer system. The non-volatile data storage 503 and memory 505 store an operating system and application software for execution by the CPU 501. The application software cooperates with the operating system to display the graphical representation of one or more golf shots hit with a particular golf club that enables the user to record the direction and distance of the golf shot(s) as perceived by the user. As shown above, the graphical representation pertaining to a given shot includes a plurality of discrete domains that represent different classifications of direction and distance for the given shot. An example of the graphical representation displayed on the display screen 507 is shown in FIG. 5B. Note that the display of FIG. 5B mirrors the paper substrate form of the present invention as described above with respect to FIG. 2. After hitting a given shot, the user determines the appropriate classification of direction and distance for the given shot as perceived by the user, and manually selects (for example, by touching the stylus 515 to the domain) the domain corresponding to such direction and distance classifications, thereby recording the direction and distance of the given golf shot. When manually selecting a domain via touch input, the application software and operating system, in cooperation with the touch screen 511, sense the selected domain and store the selected domain in memory 505, thereby recording the direction and distance of the given golf shot.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 5A, the application software of the present invention preferable includes a menu that provides the user with access to three different software functions: Function_(—)1, Function_(—)2, and Function_(—)3. Function_(—)1, labeled “practice golf” enables the user to enter (record) the direction and distance of the practice golf shots as described above. Function_(—)2, labeled “Analysis” displays statistical reports on the display screen 507 that enables the user to analyze the practice data (stored in memory 505) to find patterns and weaknesses in the user's game shots. An example of such a statistical report is the statistics reporting screen 421 described above with FIG. 4D. Finally, Function_(—)3 provides for data synchronization between the device 500 and the host computing system that transfers the practice data stored locally in the memory 505 of device 500 to the host computing system.

[0123] Additional functionality of the PDA device 500 and the host computing system is outlined in FIG. 5D. Note that the PDA is used primarily for portable data entry on the practice range, and local storage of practice data.

[0124] As described above, the golfer's practice aid of the present invention enables a user to quickly and efficiently record the direction and distance of a single practice golf shot, which minimizes any user distraction related thereto. In addition, the aid can be used in conjunction with an electronic database that enables the user to record and electronically store a large amount of data pertaining to practice shots hit over multiple practice sessions (that can span weeks, months and years). This stored practice data provides a complete pattern of the user's practice shots, which can subsequently be evaluated and analyzed at a later time, or can be discussed with others (e.g., an instructor who could provide feedback to the user). Moreover, the aid can be used in conjunction with a statistics reporting mechanism that enables the user to analyze the stored practice data to find patterns and weaknesses in the user's game shots. All of these features aid in the improvement of the user's golf game.

[0125] It is understood that the golfer's aid and system of the illustrative embodiments described hereinabove may be modified in a variety of ways which will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art of having the benefit of the novel teachings disclosed herein. All such modifications and variations of the illustrative embodiments thereof shall be deemed to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the Claims to Invention appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golfer's aid comprising: a markable substrate having a graphical representation of at least one golf shot hit with a particular golf club that enables the user to record direction and distance of the golf shot as perceived by the user, the graphical representation comprising a plurality of discrete domains that represent a plurality of direction and distance classifications of the golf shot.
 2. The golfer's aid of claim 1, wherein each domain is a spatial region of the substrate that is bounded by visible edges.
 3. The golfer's aid of claim 1, wherein said direction classifications comprise at least the following classifications: i) the direction of the golf shot is substantially straight; ii) the direction of the golf shot is substantially left; and iii) the direction of the golf shot is substantially right.
 4. The golfer's aid of claim 3, wherein said direction classifications comprise a plurality of classifications of varying degree of offset from straight.
 5. The golfer's aid of claim 1, wherein said distance classifications comprise at least the following classifications: i) the distance of the golf shot is substantially longer than user's expected distance for the particular golf club; ii) the distance of the golf shot is substantially shorter than user's expected distance for the particular golf club; and iii) the distance of the golf shot substantially corresponds to user's expected distance for the particular golf club.
 6. The golfer's aid of claim 1, wherein said plurality of discrete domains represent a plurality of direction and distance classifications of a single golf shot.
 7. The golfer's aid of claim 1, wherein said plurality of discrete domains including a plurality of sub-domains that represent a plurality of direction and distance classifications of multiple golf shots.
 8. The golfer's aid of claim 7, wherein each sub-domain is a spatial region of the substrate within corresponding domain that is bounded by visible edges.
 9. The golfer's aid of claim 1, wherein said markable substrate comprises a paper card, and said graphical representation is printed on said paper card.
 10. The golfer's aid of claim 1, wherein said markable substrate comprises display screen and said graphical representation is displayed on said display screen.
 11. The golfer's aid of claim 10, which is embodied as an application program that is executed on a personal digital assistance device.
 12. The golfer's aid of claim 11, wherein said personal digital assistance includes a touch screen for user input, and wherein the user marks a given domain by touching the touch screen.
 13. The golfer's aid of claim 11, wherein said application program provides statistical reporting that displays statistical reports on the display screen of the personal digital assistant to thereby enable a user to analyze practice data stored in memory.
 14. The golfer's aid of claim 1, wherein said plurality of discrete domains represent at least the following classifications of the golf shot: i) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially longer than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is far left; ii) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially longer than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is left; iii) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially longer than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is substantially straight; iv) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially longer than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is right; v) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially longer than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is far right; vi) the distance of the single golf shot substantially corresponds to the users expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is far left; vii) the distance of the single golf shot substantially corresponds to the user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is left; viii) the distance of the single golf shot substantially corresponds to the user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is substantially straight; ix) the distance of the single golf shot substantially corresponds to the user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is right; x) the distance of the single golf shot substantially corresponds to the user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is far right; xi) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially shorter than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is far left; xii) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially shorter than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is left; xiii) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially shorter than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is substantially straight; xiv) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially shorter than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is right; and xv) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially shorter than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is far right.
 15. A database system for storing golfer's practice data comprising a data entry screen that displays a plurality of data entry fields that represent a plurality of direction and distance classifications of at least one golf shot that enables the user to record direction and distance of the golf shot as perceived by the user.
 16. The database system of claim 15, wherein said direction classifications comprise at least the following classifications: i) the direction of the golf shot is substantially straight; ii) the direction of the golf shot is substantially left; and iii) the direction of the golf shot is substantially right.
 17. The database system of claim 16, wherein said direction classifications comprise a plurality of classifications of varying degree of offset from straight.
 18. The database system of claim 15, wherein said distance classifications comprise at least the following classifications: i) the distance of the golf shot is substantially longer than user's expected distance for the particular golf club; ii) the distance of the golf shot is substantially shorter than user's expected distance for the particular golf club; and iii) the distance of the golf shot substantially corresponds to user's expected distance for the particular golf club.
 19. The database system of claim 15, wherein said plurality of data entry fields represent a plurality of direction and distance classifications of a single golf shot.
 20. The database system of claim 15, wherein said plurality of data entry fields represent at least the following classifications of the golf shot: i) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially longer than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is far left; ii) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially longer than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is left; iii) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially longer than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is substantially straight; iv) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially longer than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is right; v) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially longer than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is far right; vi) the distance of the single golf shot substantially corresponds to the user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is far left; vii) the distance of the single golf shot substantially corresponds to the user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is left; viii) the distance of the single golf shot substantially corresponds to the user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is substantially straight; ix) the distance of the single golf shot substantially corresponds to the user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is right; x) the distance of the single golf shot substantially corresponds to the user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is far right; xi) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially shorter than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is far left; xii) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially shorter than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is left; xiii) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially shorter than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is substantially straight; xiv) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially shorter than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is right; and xv) the distance of the single golf shot is substantially shorter than user's expected distance for the particular golf club and the direction of the golf shot is far right.
 21. The database system of claim 15, wherein said data entry screen is provided via user interaction with a web browsing application operably coupled to a web server over the Internet.
 22. The database system of claim 15, further comprising a statistical reporting screen that displays statistical reports to thereby enable a user to analyze practice data stored in the database system.
 23. The database system of claim 12, wherein said statistical reporting screen is provided via user interaction with a web browsing application operably coupled to a web server over the Internet. 